Help!! New Bermuda - watering and fertilizer

9 years ago

I'm re-posting as I didn't get any feedback from my original post! I need help you guys - DC Hall; TX Weed; everyone else!!

I've been researching the crap out of this forum the past few months in preparation of seeding Bermuda, and I greatly appreciate the wealth of information that I've come across on here.

I'm located in Smithfield, NC (20 mins south of Raleigh). I seeded Bermuda on May 24, 2014 (Pennington Triangle Blend). Prepped soil, spread seed, Scotts Starter Fert (24-25-4), spread compost over top, watered. I didn't get a soil test (I know - I will before next season). The seeds started germinating around May 31st. The grass and weed have spread pretty good over the yard. I was originally watering 3 times a day for 15 mins (7, 12, 4). I've backed off to 2 times a day now 7am and 4pm, 30 mins each time and I am still getting germination/spreading. The weather here has been 90+, upper 60's/70s at night, with sporadic rain. I've been thinking about backing off the water even more, but I'm still getting germination in bare spots. I have the Bermuda Bible (thanks TX Weed) and some stuff from NCSU (local Ag university), but I haven't found a lot regarding watering of new lawn. Considering I'm still getting germination, should I continue with my current water schedule until everything has spread to where I want it?? I know with established Bermuda you're supposed to shoot for 1"/week typically.

I also have a good amount of starter fertilizer left over that I've been thinking about spreading. I figure it could help the newly germinating seeds; however, I don't want to hurt the grass that has already sprouted. Should I proceed with the nitrogen only, or is it okay to finish off the bag of starter I have with one more application and then go to the nitrogen only in 4-6 weeks?? I'm new to this, and any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance.

Comments (4)

t_d_harvey
9 years ago
Have you had to mow yet? What percent of the seed has germinated? If around 60% has, you can probably go to 2-3 times a week (deeper watering) for a week or so and then start going to once a week after the first or second time you cut.

Starter Fert should not hurt anything as long as you water it in. You do not need to use nitrogen only fert. until after your second mowing. I prefer using alfalfa pellets and you can use that at anytime at 10-20lbs/1k
jusncsu82
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the feedback td harvey. I have mowed it 3 times since it first germinated. The stuff was growing like crazy!

I would say more than 60% has germinated, probably closer to 75%. I think you're right about the water. 2-3 times a week - is that with the goal of watering 1" over the course of the week? Also, should I immediately step down to 2-3 times or gradually - maybe go from current 2 times a day to once a day for a week or so, then to 2-3 times a week?
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dchall_san_antonio
9 years ago
I just replied to your other post. Double posting is a forum faux pas. It would have been better if you had bumped it back to the top. Of course bumping is a forum faux pas if you own the forum, so there's no great solution to that.
jusncsu82
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the response DC Hall. I try not to make a habit of reposting, but I guess it worked in this case.

I'm starting to gradually back off the water; 3 times a week, with the ultimate goal of 1-2 times a week max. I will do the tuna can test with my next watering. Thanks again for the response; I'm going to look into fertilizing with alfalfa.